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MUSLIM YOUNG LEADERS CONFRONT UMMAH CHALLENGES |
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Written by Samira Ali Gutoc
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Tuesday, 16 September 2003 |
Amidst the frustration and poverty of Muslim youths in many parts of the world, Muslim young leaders converged in Kuala Lumpur to forge consensus on economic and education platforms in the International Conference of Muslim Young Leaders at the Renaissance Hotel on September 14-16. Describing the event to be the "first ever organized in the history of the Islamic world, with representatives from 60 countries (47 of whom are OIC countries and the rest, with Muslim minorities)," convenor group, Foundation of Activators of a Vision chair Dr. Mohammad Nur Abdullah welcomed the participants "who are the second echelon in leadership." Two among the 100 participants are the Ministers of Bangladesh and Syria.
At its formal opening rites, the organizers proposed a "platform for new leadership," the Malaysian convenors putting forth a recommendation to organize the World Muslim Economic Development Foundation that would "implement economic and business projects within the Muslim world on a collective basis". It would also provide scholarships to needy Muslims,
Abdullah cited. This is seen as a preparatory act to the coming Organization of Islamic Conference event next month. Abdullah put forth steps to realize a "greater Ummah (community)":
- to establish Islamic cooperation and deciding to choose the elements of education and economic as priorities
- new focus on strategies connected to education; politics is seen as divisive
- to build and unite on economic interest
- rearrange priorities and focus on limited resources to achieve the best resources
- recognize everyone as a positive change in the Ummah
"The vision for a greater Ummah is the greatest contribution to world's stability and cooperation," Abdullah said. Acknowledging the need to be pro-active, Abdullah said that Muslim leaders must "contain, confront, overcome the existence of weaknesses in the Islamic world." There is a dire need to catch up with the global world," he added. Citing the Malaysian experience of 47 years of existence to be a "success story with crucial lessons to tell", Abdullah said the country's National Economic Policy (NEP) since the early 70s was "positive constructive change especially in racial harmony, patriotism, eradication of poverty, distribution of national wealth, rise in per capita income and preparation for globalization." The NEP was a law that provided affirmative action in favor of bumiputra (native Malays) as opposed to the Chinese and Hindu communities in Malaysia in the fields of educational scholarships. Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957.
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